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Oceanic Union Defence Force
The Oceanic Union Defence Force Navy and Oceanic Union Patrol Fleet
The Spacefaring military arm of the Oceanic Union is divided into two separate organizations, the OUDF Navy
(OUDFN) and the much larger OU Patrol Fleet (OUPF). The former is a purely military organization, whose ship
names are prefixed by OUDFS (usually pronounced 'Odd Fuss'), the latter a paramilitary organization whose ships
names are prefixed by OUPS (pronounced "Oops"). In times of crisis, many OUPF ships serve alongside their
purelymilitary cousins, and there seems to be little difference in practice. Due to practical experience in anti piracy
duties and exploration in disputed territory, the OUPF ships often have better gunnery skills, despite having
somewhat less military training. OUDFN ships are often painted in individualistic colour schemes, often aboriginal,
maori, abstract or Polynesian motifs using earth colours. OUPS ships are a basic medium blue, sometimes with an
abstract design, often not.
History and Organization

The History of the OUDF's activities in space is shrouded in some mystery. Various sources contradict each other,
and it is official policy of the OUDF to say little to clear up the confusion. Some sources put the beginnings of the
OUDFN as far back as the original Gilderstein Foundation experiments, others state that the OUDF was the last of
the minor powers to enter space, behind the Indonesian Commonwealth and LLAR.
What is certain is that by the 2180s, the Oceanic Union has claimed vast numbers of mainly Mclass star
systems, and has placed navigation and communications buoys on them. These systems are for the most part
completely valueless, no other power has bothered to claim them. Should the OU find anything of value, it has often
found the system taken from it by force majeure. However, the OU has reasonably good diplomatic relations with all
the major powers, and is adept at playing them off against each other. It is also expert at asymmetrical warfare
OU raiders are Vandals par excellence, able to strike in unexpected places, cause vast monetary damage, and
withdraw with few casualties on either side. Many nations and even some of the larger organizations have taken OU
territory and kept it: but none have profited thereby, and usually they are all too glad to give it back. The OU
provides a valuable service to all spacefaring nations, providing navigational beacons, keeping down piracy, providing
searchandrescue services, and its large patrol fleet's regular visits both in and out of OU space are often the only
lifeline some of the smaller scientific and industrial colonies have to the rest of humanity.
Ship Design Doctrine

The bulk of OUDF ships in the 2180s have been built relatively recently, in the very ambitious Basic Operational
Refit Of Navy (BORON) programme. This unique design philosophy emphasizes ease of construction of a few basic
designs, each capable of being fitted with interchangeable modules. A nearly unarmed patrol ship may thus be
converted to a fully capable heavy destroyer, a light cargo vessel, a commando raider, or even a fleet escort in a
matter of weeks. This has meant that the very large OUPF is composed mainly of one basic design, cheap to
operate and very reliable. In times of crisis, many of these vessels would be given military modules, and take their
place as escorts in the battle line. Many of the OUDF Navy's ships are nonBORON designs though, often based
on NAC designs, and are optimized for either longrange firepower with powerful beams and missiles, or really close
action using massed scatterpack launchers.
BORON ships are noted for their toughness, but are considered somewhat underarmed compared with the ships of
most other navies. Due to the limitations of modular weaponry, they are unable to use the heavier beams and still
retain their advantages of cheapness and reliability. This does however fit in well with OUDF doctrine, which
emphasizes a longrange strike, followed by rapidly closing to 'decisive range' where the smaller beams firepower is
greatly increased.
OUDF Public BetaTest

The systems and ship designs for the OUDF indicated below are betatest versions and any final
version that would appear in print may be different. Please use these new systems and designs
in your battles and your feedback is appreciated.
Additional Playtest fleets and SSDs for new Full Thrust miniatures are available through
the FT Fleet Resource.
OUDF Basic Hulls

OUDF Modules & Ship Examples
Snake class HEAVY

FRIGATE
TMF: 24
NPV: 79 / CPV: 61
Technical Specifications
Classification : Frigate
Displacement : 2400 Tonnes
[MASS Factor 24]
Hull Type : Average [Hull
Integrity 7]
Crew : 5 Officers, 19 Ratings
Armament : 1 Class 2, 2
Service Details
Class 1 Batteries
First entered service : 2175
Defences : 1 Point Defence Currently in OU service : 22
System, Grade 1 Armour Lost in action : 7
Sensor Suite : Standard Decommissioned/scrapped : 9
sensors, 1 Fire Control System Relegated to reserve fleet : 2
Sold to other forces : 2
Drive Systems : Main Drive
Under construction : 13
rating 7, FTL (Jump) Drive
Procurement cost : 790 MUcr
The Snake class was designed to meet an OUDF specification for a very fast, heavily armed Frigate,
capable of outrunning anything it couldn't outfight, and outfighting anything it couldn't outrun. LeeLu
shipyards proposed solution was based on grafting the drives of their standard River/Freemantle class
Patrol Vessel onto a purposebuilt hull only half the size. Although highly successful due to its use of
standard components, it is the least popular of all the BORON designs, due to cramped ( by OU standards )
accommodation.
Spider class
TORPEDO BOAT
TMF: 24
NPV: 79 / CPV: 61
Classification : Frigate
[MASS Factor 24]
Integrity 7]
Armament : 1 Pulse Torpedo Service Details
Tube First entered service : 2179
Defences : 1 Point Defence Currently in OU service : 12
Lost in action : 3
System, Grade 1 Armour
Decommissioned/scrapped : 1
Sensor Suite : Standard Relegated to reserve fleet : 2
sensors,1 Fire Control System Sold to other forces : 0
Drive Systems : Main Drive Under construction : 14
rating 7, FTL (Jump) Drive Procurement cost : 790 MUcr
The Spider class , although externally indistinguishable from its predecessor, the Snake class, is actually a
new design. Lessons learnt from the Snake class were incorporated into it, and the armament was
completely revised. The Spider class is designed specifically to attack the most heavily screened enemies,
and operates in packs. Popularly known as the "Banzai Boats".
Freemantle class
PATROL VESSEL
TMF: 32
NPV: 99 / CPV: 77
Classification : Destroyer
[MASS Factor 32]
Hull Type : Very Strong [Hull
Integrity 16]
Armament : 1 Class 1
Battery Service Details
Defences : Grade 2 Armour First entered service : 2163
Currently in OU service : 0
Sensor Suite : Standard
Lost in action : 27
sensors, 1 Fire Control System Decommissioned/scrapped : 21
Drive Systems : Main Drive Relegated to reserve fleet : 142
rating 5, FTL (Jump) Drive Sold to other forces : 33
Procurement cost : 990 MUcr
The Freemantle Class was the first of the BORON designs, and has been the subject of numerous minor changes to improve
its performance since the first one was laid down in 2162.
Unlike all other modular designs, only the original Freemantle class is capable of operating without a payload module being
fitted. The Jump drive has significant excess capacity, and is operated in a de tuned mode to conserve reliability and
increase range. Freemantle class patrol vessels are capable of taking on all but the most heavily armed pirates or
smugglers, but are primarily patrol, police and customs vessels, with no significant military capability.
This has proved a very popular design in both para military and tio a lesser extent, commercial service, with significant
numbers being produced for export.
River class
DESTROYER
TMF: 40
NPV: 99+(834)
CPV: 83+(026)
Classification : Destroyer
[MASS Factor 40] including
payload module
Hull Type : Strong [Hull
Integrity 16]
+ Module Crew
Armament : 1 Class 1 Service Details
Battery ( + module) First entered service : 2163
Defences : Grade 2 Armour (+ Currently in OU service : 45
module ) Lost in action : 0
Sensor Suite : Standard Relegated to reserve fleet : 33
sensors, 1 Fire Control System Sold to other forces : 0
(+ module) Under construction : 0
Drive Systems : Main Drive Procurement cost : 990 MUcr + Payload Module
rating 4, FTL (Jump) Drive 80 340 MUcr
The Freemantle Class when fitted with a payload module is known as the River class. The base design's FTL over capacity is
easily able to cope with the additional 25% mass, though the manouvre drive is of necessity constrained to operate at
slower speeds. Hull integrity suffers somewhat too, the additional mass contributing nothing to the overall ship's strength.
Most River class ships of the OUPF are fitted with either cargo, survey, or research payload modules, though sometimes a
Gunpack is fitted as a nasty surprise for Pirates.
The River class are indeed "maids of all work" for the OUDFN, acting in the roles of light cruiser, escort cruiser, destroyer
and attack transport with equal facility.
Numbat class LIGHT

CRUISER
TMF: 63
NPV: 176+(834)
CPV: 161+(026)
Classification : Light Cruiser
payload module
Integrity 19]
+ Module Crew
Battery, 1 Class 1 Battery ( +
module)
Service Details
Defences : Grade 2 Armour,
1 Point Defence System, Level
Currently in OU service : 17
1 Screens (+ module ) Lost in action : 4
Sensor Suite : Standard Decommissioned/scrapped : 4
sensors,2 Fire Control Relegated to reserve fleet : 2
Systems (+ module) Sold to other forces : 8
Procurement cost : 1730 MUcr + Payload Module
80 340 MUcr
The Numbat class is a further development of the River/Freemantles. A new, more powerful manouevre drive was fitted to a
slightly expanded River hull. The Numbats never did reach their design acceleration, and this failure led to the development
of the Snake/Spiders, where the Freemantle's proven original drive was used on a cut down hull with rather more success.
Despite this failure, the Numbats have been quite successful in the role of light cruisers, and are popular ships amongst their
crews.
2 Numbats in OU service and most manufactured for export have been fitted on a semi permanent basis as diplomatic
transports, with VIP payload modules.
Tuvalu Block I class

HEAVY CRUISER
TMF: 81
NPV: 211+(1668)
CPV: 212+(052)
Classification : Heavy
Cruiser
[MASS Factor 81] including 2
payload modules
Integrity 24]
+ Module Crew
Service Details
Batteries, 1 Class 1 Battery Currently in OU service : 10
( + modules) Lost in action : 4
Defences : Grade 3 Armour, Decommissioned/scrapped : 1
2 Point Defence Systems, Relegated to reserve fleet : 6
Level 1 Screens (+ modules ) Sold to other forces : 0
Procurement cost : 2110 MUcr + Payload 160
sensors,2 Fire Control 680 MUcr
Systems (+ modules)
The Tuvalu class was the first of the BORON designs not to be directly derived from the Freemantle class. It was conceived
as a "double Freemantle", each vessel having at least twice the capability of the smaller ships. The design was not deemed a
great success, as the problems involved in having two modules on one ship caused the programme cost to blow out
alarmingly, and their expense is very high comparable to more conventional designs.
Production was soon switched to the Block II design, which traded in the ability to carry two modules for a greatly increased
structural strength. Recently, however, the Block I Tuvalu has been reinstated in production, the resultant ships usually
carrying two different types of pod, one military, one not, so they become selfescorting troop transports, selfescorting
cargo carriers and so on.
Tuvalu Block II class
HEAVY CRUISER
TMF: 81
NPV: 235+(834)
CPV: 228+(026)
Classification : Heavy
Cruiser
payload module
Hull Type : Very Strong [Hull
Integrity 32]
+ Module Crew
Armament : 2 Class 2 Service Details
Batteries, 1 Class 1 Battery First entered service : 2174
( + module) Currently in OU service : 19
Defences : Grade 3 Armour, Lost in action : 1
2 Point Defence Systems,
Relegated to reserve fleet : 1
Level 1 Screens (+ module )
Sensor Suite : Standard Under construction : 3
sensors,2 Fire Control Procurement cost : 2350 MUcr + Payload 80 340
Systems (+ module) MUcr
The Tuvalu Block II class is the mainstay of the OUDF Navy's Cruiser squadrons. Originally procured as a cheaper, less
capable variant of the Tuvalu after the fiasco of that class's cost blowout, it was soon found to be equally as effective, and
significantly cheaper. Although rather underarmed for a vessel of its size, it has the ability to take punishment equal or
superior to many battlecruisers and still remain effective.
Tuvalu Block IIs are nearly always fitted with Gunpack modules.
Waikato class
ESCORT CARRIER
TMF: 102
NPV: 314+(834)
+fighters(3672)
CPV: 255+(026)
+fighters
Classification : Escort
Carrier
Displacement : 10200
Tonnes [MASS Factor 102]
including payload module
Integrity 31]
+ Module Crew Service Details
Armament : 1 Class 2 First entered service : 2171
Battery, 1 Class 1 Battery ( + Currently in OU service : 11
module) Lost in action : 4
Relegated to reserve fleet : 1
1 Screens (+ module ) Under construction : 2
Sensor Suite : Standard Procurement cost : 3140 MUcr + Payload 80 340
sensors,2 Fire Control MUcr
Systems (+ module)
The Waiikato class is the third basic design of the BORON family of ships. The lead ship of the class, Waikato, was originally
designed without the capability of taking the interchangeable modules that all other large BORON ships could. However, she
was upgraded to the same configuration as her sister ships in her first 5 year refit.
Weetangera and Wollondilly have both had their hangers replaced on a semi permanent basis, and operate in the role of
battleships. Weetangera has 2 Salvo Missile Launchers sharing a single magazine, and Wollondilly a cluster of 9 Heavy MT
missiles racks, but both have the ability to be converted back to carrier configuration at a few months notice. Wagga and
Worambungle have in the past had one hanger replaced by a Salvo Missile Launcher and magazine, but both are now
currently of purecarrier configuration.
Wanganui is often used for Special Ops, with a Raider module fitted semi permanently. One hanger provides atmosphere
capable fighters for air support to the SAS or Light Horse raiders, the other additional hanger space for landers.
Dunedin class
BATTLECRUISER
Sister ships: Darwin,
Downer, Deakin,
Dickson....
TMF: 111
NPV: 303+(1668)
CPV: 331+(052)
Technical Specifications:
Classification : Battlecruiser
including payload modules
Integrity 33 in 4 rows]
CPV: 331+(052)
Classification : Battlecruiser
+ Module Crews
Battery (All), 1 Class 1 Battery
(All) (+ modules)
Level 1 Screens (+ modules)
sensors, 3 Fire Control
Systems (+ modules)
Modules : 2x 8Mass modules
Service Details:
Currently unknown
A lighter, faster Cooma (see below), designed to the classic Battlecruiser formula : "outrun anything it can't outfight, and
outfight anything it can't outrun" but unlike Admiral Fisher's wetnavy designs, the Dunedin actually meets the specs. Her
lack of long range weapons can be considered a tactical disadvantage, but one which she shares with all BORON designs;
and the high thrust rating makes it more capable than most other BORON ships of bringing the enemy into range of her own
weapons.
The design and procurement of the Dunedin class was controversial. For a long time the OUDF government favoured a
slightly smaller and slower design with a single equipment module due to that ship's lower total cost; but in the end the
admiralty won the day with the argument that the twin module wells would not only reduce the ship's procurement cost and
construction time (since the OUDF already had a number of spare weapon modules originally intended for OUPF River class
ships which had been lost in action against early Kra'Vak incursions), but would also greatly increase the class's flexibility
and usefulness.
Cooma class
BATTLESHIP
Sister ships: Christchurch,
Canberra....
TMF: 124
NPV: 323+(24102)
CPV: 377+(078)
Classification : Battleship
+ Module Crews
(All) (+ modules)
2 Screens (+
modules)
Systems (+ modules)
Modules : 3 8Mass modules
Service Details:
Currently unknown
The largest ships easily constructed by the OUDF's mid sized military spaceyards, the Cooma class is also one of the most
heavily protected vessels of its size. Offensive combat power has been sacrificed to make way for additional protection, but
the large screens have led to a relatively fragile hull by OU standards. Lack of funds has led to fewer of these capable ships
being produced than the OU would like.
Auckland class
CARRIER
Sister ships: Aeotearoa,
Armidale, Adelaide...
TMF: 128
NPV: 403+(832) +
fighters
CPV: 331+ (026) +
fighters
fighters
Classification : Carrier
Crew : 20 Officers, 100
Ratings + Module and Flight
Crews
(All), 3 Fighter Bays
(+ module)
Level 1 Screen (+ modules)
Systems (+ modules)
Modules : 1x 8Mass module
Service Details:
Currently unknown
The Auckland class carriers resulted from a major refit of the Cooma class battleships, replacing both weapon outriggers
with hangar bays similar to those on the smaller Waikato class. The resulting ship was too large for the OUDF's space docks
to handle, causing serious cost overruns; and their critics pointed out that the only real advantage they had over the
Waikatos were one additional fighter group a fighter group which the OUDF would have problems crewing anyway and
that in spite of the "fleet carrier" classification the Auckland nevertheless had fewer fighters than the major navies' *light*
carriers. The admiralty persisted, replying that the fleet needed more fighter cover and that the Auckland did carry 50%
more fighters than the Waikato for only 25% extra cost; but to date production of the Aucklands has been even slower than
that of the Cooma class battleships.
Jervis Bay class

MODULAR FLEET
AUXILIARY
Sister ships: Jackaroo,
Jindlaee, Jerrabomberra...
TMF: 144
NPV: 280 + modules
CPV: 343 + modules
Hull integrity 29 (Weak)
Crew Factor 4
Armour 0
Main Drive 2
FTL
1x FCS
2x B16
1x B23 (FP/F/FS)
2x PDS
10x 8Mass BORON equipment
modules
Like the Aucklandclass carriers the Jervis Bay class fleet auxiliaries were too big for the Oceanic Union's own military
spaceyards to build, so instead they were built to BORON specs by the major civilian yards at Proxima Centauris. Many
intelligence analysts initially believed them to be small dreadnoughts (and two of these ships, Jaika Jaika and Jerilderee, did
in fact temporarily serve in that role during the Siege of Sol with all ten module wells fitted with combat modules); but their
weak main drives and defences and their lack of fire control facilities make them very unsuited for frontline combat duties.
Although the modular design of the Jervis Bay class allows these ships to be rapidly reconfigured to a wide variety of roles,
from planetary bombardment monitors and troop transports to longrange survey ships or even disaster relief, their most
common task is to serve as fleet supply ships. When operating in combat zones, eg. while supporting the OUDF Deep Space
Raiding Force that raided Kra'Vak supply lines, they usually carry at least a "Standard" weapons module and often an
"Escort" module as well to allow them to fight off any enemy patrol craft they happen to encounter.
The speculations about OUDF dreadnoughts were not entirely unfounded. At the time the Jervis Bay was designed the OUDF
BuShips did draw up specs for a heavy battleship with the same general hull configuration as a Jervis Bays but with fewer
module wells and more powerful engines and defences, and rumour has it that the existing Jervis Bay class ships are
prepared to be refitted into this configuration should the need for such heavy combat units arise – or, according to more
cynical commentators, should the OUDF's budget ever allow it!
Brisbane class
HEAVY BATTLESHIP
(UNDIA analysts' best
guess):
TMF: 144
NPV: 392 + modules
CPV: 455 + modules
Hull integrity 43 (Average)
Armour 5
Crew Factor 8
Main Drive 4
FTL
3x FCS
Level1 Screen
2x B16
HEAVY BATTLESHIP
(UNDIA analysts' best
guess):
TMF: 144
NPV: 392 + modules
CPV: 455 + modules
Hull integrity 43 (Average)
Armour 5
Crew Factor 8
Main Drive 4
FTL
3x FCS
Level1 Screen
2x B16
2x B23 (AP/FP/F, F/FS/AS)
1x B26
2x PDS
4x 8Mass BORON equipment
modules
If the OU built a real warship

based on the Jervis Bay hull,
analysts best guess is
something like this.
OUDF Modules & Ship Examples

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Oceanic Union Defence Force

History and Organization

Ship Design Doctrine

OUDF Public BetaTest

OUDF Basic Hulls

Snake class HEAVY

Numbat class LIGHT

Tuvalu Block I class

Jervis Bay class

If the OU built a real warship

OUDF Modules & Ship Examples

You might also like

star-ranger-com_OUDF-htm_beyh41ec

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star-ranger-com_OUDF-htm_beyh41ec

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Oceanic Union Defence Force

History and Organization

Ship Design Doctrine

OUDF Public Beta­Test

OUDF Basic Hulls

Snake class HEAVY

Numbat class LIGHT

Tuvalu Block I class

Jervis Bay class

If the OU built a real warship

OUDF Modules & Ship Examples

You might also like

OUDF Public BetaTest